Batavia priest charged with public indecency

A Roman Catholic priest from Batavia has been charged with misdemeanor public indecency in Rockford after allegedly exposing himself at a gas station on March 27, authorities said.

The Rev. Aaron R. Brodeski turned himself in Friday after an arrest warrant was issued, according to a news release posted on the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office website.

According to the sheriff’s office, police responded to a gas station on the evening of March 27 after a man reportedly exposed himself to an employee.

The man left before police arrived, but his license plate number had been recorded.

After police investigated, an arrest warrant was obtained on Friday for Brodeski, police said.

The 44-year-old priest turned himself in that day, police said.

The Diocese of Rockford said Winnebago County authorities alerted it last month that they were investigating. The diocese says Brodeski was placed on personal leave from his assignment at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Batavia in west-suburban Chicago. Diocesan officials say he was sent for evaluation and possible treatment for “any difficulties affecting his conduct and ministry.”

Brodeski didn’t immediately respond to an email seeking comment. He posted bond and was released.